ActorsFCU has a relationship with over 40 check cashing locations in New York City, some of which are open late, on the weekends, and even 24 hours. Credit union members can deposit checks for free directly into their credit union accounts. The check takes three days to clear and then members will have access to all funds (assuming the check clears). Members who wish to have immediate access to their money benefit from a discounted check cashing fee–0.5% for checks up to $999.99 and 1.0% for checks between $1,000 and $6,000–as long as they deposit a minimum of 20% of their check into their credit union account. Check cashing stores typically charge the New York State regulated maximum rate of 1.98% for cashing checks. An example: If you are a member of the credit union and have a weekly check of $900 and you deposit $120 (20%) into your credit union account, you will receive $780 in cash, for which you will pay a fee of $4.50 (0.5% on the entire check). You will gain access to the $120 in your credit union account after the three day clearing period. If you were not a credit union member and cashed the $900 check, you would likely pay the maximum fee of $17.82. Over the course of a year, assuming you received the same check for 52 weeks, your membership in the credit union members would save you nearly $700 in check cashing fees!

Members can go directly to Actors Federal Credit Union in Times Square (165 W. 46th Street, 14th Floor, 212-869-8926) to open an account. Members will need the following documents in order to open an account: A current U.S, Government-issued photo identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.), a valid Social Security number or TIN, their union book, and proof of address (utility bill, lease etc.). Members will also need a minimum first deposit of $10.00.

Amalgamated Bank

Amalgamated Bank is a Union-owned bank and one of the only unionized banks in the country. It provides a number of different services that may be of interest to Local 79 members.

Services

Free checking

Access to over 40,000 free ATMs

Savings accounts—$5 minimum to open

Money Market accounts—no fees, low minimum

Prepaid debit card as an alternative to checking

Debt consolidation loans

Residential mortgages

Buying a Home

Wells Fargo Home Mortgageis the exclusive mortgage benefit provider through the Union Plus program. Home Financing benefits with UNION FAMILIES in mind.

Benefits may include some or all of the following:

RECEIVE AN AWARD: Finance your home with WF Home Mortgage under the UNION PLUS program and we’ll send you an award after closing- $500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing your home. Gift card is for members, retirees and members’ parents and children.

MORTGAGE PAYMENT ASSISTANCE – In the event you experience an unexpected loss of income, Union Plus provides an interest free mortgage assistance loan or grant to eligible union members and their parents and children.

MY HOME ROADMAP- Help get your finances in order by enrolling in 2 FREE hours of personalized financial coaching- conveniently right over the phone – you’ll also receive a series of educational emails to help you stay motivated and connected.

Financial Counseling/Debt Management Services

Diminishing collection calls and creditor balances can help reduce worry and stress about your debt situation. GreenPath is a nationwide, non-profit financial organization that assists consumers with credit card debt, housing debt and bankruptcy concerns. Among other things, GreenPath offers a free credit and financial counseling session of 60-90 minutes. The toll free number to set up a session is 1-800-550-1961. The counseling may lead, if you so choose and qualify, to the creation of a fee-based debt management program. GreenPath helps you pay off your credit card debt faster by working with your creditors to bring your accounts current, lower interest rates and eliminate fees. This means that more of your payment goes toward reducing your account balances.

(Beware: There are many unscrupulous for-profit companies that seek to make money from your credit problems. Debt management is different from debt consolidation. When companies advertise debt consolidation, they want to loan you money—with interest, of course—to consolidate your debts into one loan payment. This approach actually increases the amount of your debt. Debt settlement is another frequently misunderstood term. Debt settlement refers to paying a creditor less than the principal balance. Debt settlement companies often charge very high fees for something that you can do yourself for free.)

Financial Counseling

The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs Office of Financial Empowermentoffers free one-on-one financial counseling sessions at a number of locations throughout the five boroughs.

The Financial Clinic offers free one-on-one financial counseling and tax preparation at various locations throughout the five boroughs.The Financial Clinicstaff can assist individuals in addressing their immediate financial challenges and helping them set long-term goals to achieve financial mobility. To make a financial coaching appointment, call: (646) 810-4050 and press 5. To make an appointment for tax preparation help, call: (646) 587-4930.

Tax Preparation Services

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free tax preparation services for qualifying individuals. If you made $51,000 or less in the previous year, you can find a free tax location near you (between the months of January and April) by calling the toll free phone number: 1-800-906-9887